Taste the World in One City: Chicago

Chicago is a city of immigrants, and there may be no better way to experience its diversity of cultures than by eating your way through the neighborhoods. Have dim sum in Chinatown or saganaki and gyros in Greektown. Or head to Uncle Mike’s Place for a traditional Filipino breakfast or Pilsen for pan dulce that’ll transport you to Mexico in a single bite. Whatever taste of home—or abroad—you’re looking for, you can find it in Chicago.

Chicago is believed to be home to the largest Polish community outside of Poland, making it one of the best places to eat Polish food abroad. For the best pierogi in the Midwest, head to Kasia’s Deli in Ukrainian Village, which has caught the attention of everyone from Martha Stewart to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Like the rest of the menu, these pierogi are made fresh from scratch every day. They’re also sold frozen in 26 states should you need a tasty reminder of your time in Chicago.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant opened its doors in 2007 and has quickly become the city’s top spot for Ethiopian food. Meals here are served family style and based on recipes passed down from the women in owner Tigist Reda’s family. Instead of silverware, you’ll dine traditionally with your hands and injera.

One of its top dishes is a stew made from chunks of beef, onions, and ginger and served with jalapeno-laced collard greens and turmeric-infused split peas. But don’t worry if you don’t eat meat—Demera also serves up a hearty variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Joy Yee’s Noodles brought Taiwanese bubble tea to the Midwest, then took things up a notch by adding tapioca pearls to fresh fruit smoothies. This local favorite got its start in Evanston (about 30 minutes north of the city) nearly 20 years ago and has since opened a handful of locations across the Chicago area, including one in Chinatown that also serves shabu-shabu, a broth made with kelp.

Joy Yee’s menu offers a sampling of some of Asia’s best cuisine with menu items including Korean BBQ short ribs, Mongolian beef, pad Thai, fried rice, and so many types of noodles. Joy Yee’s is known for its big portions, so plan for lots of (delicious) leftovers.

Athena brings a taste of Athens to Chicago, and its expansive patio is one of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces. Start with saganaki (pan-seared Greek cheese) for the table, then try the Greek-stuffed chicken breast. Athena also offers a wide range of vegetarian entrees including kebabs, spanakopita, and moussaka. But whatever you order, be sure to save room for dessert. This restaurant puts a spin on traditional baklava with its homemade cheesecake version.

Craving a South Indian meal but don’t have the vacation days to fly halfway around the world? Head to Devon Avenue where you’ll find the beating heart of Chicago’s Indian and Pakistani communities. At Udupi Palace—just a few doors down from a Patel Brothers grocery store—you can taste South Indian vegetarian staples like dosas, idlis, vada, and samosas. I recommended trying everything, and the Thali sampler platters on the menu make that easy work.

If you’ve never had Kurdish brunch, you are truly missing out. Remedy that with a visit to The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen, Chicago’s first and only Kurdish restaurant. Brunch at this Lakeview restaurant is a feast that includes cooked-to-order eggs, three types of cheeses, three jams, two types of butter, honey, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes, fried cheese rolls, and bottomless tea. Beer, wine, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu.

Beyond brunch, the restaurant menu leans heavily on lamb and eggplant. Don’t sleep on the dessert platter—it’ll be the best decision you make all day.

For a little pura vida in Chicago, head north of downtown on Milwaukee Avenue to Irazu Chicago. The family-owned restaurant—Chicago's first and only Costa Rican spot—opened its doors in 1990 and is best known for its casado—plates of white rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and cabbage salad served with steak, chicken, or fish, and topped with an egg. The menu also includes empanadas, patacones, and ceviche.

Irazu Chicago is BYOB so bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer and do yourself a favor: Get the horchata shake for dessert.

This spot in the Pilsen neighborhood is a perfect place to pick up breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. The self-serve Mexican bakery opened its doors in 1973 and has been serving up conchas, gorditas dulces, empanadas, and more ever since. If you’re not sure what to get, try the pan dulce—it’s a fan-favorite that’s made from scratch every day.